"Violations such as these exacerbate already fouled air in apart of the state that needs all the help it can get," said ARBChairman Mary Nichols. "Our enforcement efforts are crucial toobtain those emission reductions so needed for Valleyresidents."

As agreed in the settlement, Todd Plumbing's staff responsiblefor compliance with periodic smoke and heavy duty diesel vehicleinspection programs is required to attend courses at theCalifornia Council on Diesel Education and Technology. Further,all Todd's heavy duty commercial vehicle operators shall complywith the state's idling regulations, supply all smoke inspectionrecords to ARB for the next several years, and have properlylabeled engines to ensure compliance with the engine emissioncertification program regulations.

Diesel particulate matter can increase the number and severityof asthma attacks, cause or aggravate bronchitis and other lungdiseases, and reduce the body's ability to fight infections.

ARB will direct the penalty payment on behalf of Todd Plumbing,Inc. to the California Air Pollution Control Fund, which wasestablished to mitigate various sources of pollution througheducation and the advancement and use of cleaner technology.This fund uses compliance settlement fees to fund variouspollution-related research projects and related programs.

The Air Resources Board is a department of the CaliforniaEnvironmental Protection Agency. ARB's mission is to promote andprotect public health, welfare, and ecological resources througheffective reduction of air pollutants while recognizing andconsidering effects on the economy. The ARB oversees all airpollution control efforts in California to attain and maintainhealth based air quality standards.